Pre-winter chimney checklist: 9 things to check in September
If your fireplace is used throughout winter, there are 9 things worth checking before you light it. You do not need to be a technician for most of them.
If your fireplace is used throughout winter, there are 9 things worth checking before you light it for the first time in autumn. You do not need to be a technician to check most of them. We clearly mark those that do require a professional.
This checklist is designed for open fireplaces, cassettes and inserts. At the end you will find a specific section for pellet stoves and boilers.
Before lighting the fireplace in autumn, check the condition of the flue, opening and terminal, the cleanliness of the firebox, and the draught; if it has been more than a year since it was cleaned, contact a professional. The full checklist has 9 points.
The complete checklist: 9 points before lighting the fire
1. Open the flue damper and check that it moves freely. This is the lever or handle that opens and closes the flue. If it does not move smoothly, it needs to be lubricated or repaired before lighting the fire. A damper that does not open properly is the most common cause of smoke entering the room.
2. Look inside the flue with a torch. With the damper open, shine the light upwards from the firebox. You should be able to see daylight from outside. If you cannot see anything, there may be an obstruction: birds' nests, compacted soot or construction debris. Do not light the fire until you know what it is.
3. Check the condition of the seals and refractory lining. The refractory bricks inside deteriorate with heat. Look for visible cracks or loose sections. If you find cracks, call a professional before lighting the fire.
4. Inspect the grate and the base of the firebox. Check that the grate has no broken bars. If ash has built up from the previous year, remove it before lighting the fire.
5. Check the external flue outlet. If possible, make sure the outlet is not blocked by vegetation and that the chimney cap is not broken. A damaged cap allows water and animals to enter.
6. Smell the inside of the firebox. A strong smell of soot or damp may indicate excessive creosote build-up or water ingress during the summer. Neither should be ignored.
7. Make sure your firewood is dry (moisture below 20%). Wet firewood is the main cause of rapid creosote build-up. Use a wood moisture meter: if it reads above 20%, the wood is not ready to burn.
8. Carry out a draught test without a flame. Light a match and hold it near the fireplace opening. The smoke should be drawn inward. If it rises towards the ceiling, the draught is not working properly.
9. Annual professional inspection and cleaning. You can carry out the previous 8 checks yourselves. Not this last one. Professional cleaning completely removes soot and creosote and includes a service report for your insurer.
When to do it: in September. Chimney sweeps' schedules fill up in October. If you wait until the end of October, we may not be able to attend until November.
For pellet stoves: additional checks
Pellet stoves have their own pre-season checks:
- Cleaning the burner and ash pan
- Checking the combustion fan (it should not make unusual noises)
- Cleaning the heat exchanger (improves efficiency by up to 20%)
- Checking the door seals
- Inspection of the flue gas exhaust duct
When should the inspection be done?
The short answer: in September. The busy season begins in October and chimney sweeps' schedules are already very full. If it is already October and you have not checked anything: call before lighting the fire.
Frequently asked questions
Can I inspect the chimney myself?
The visual checks (damper, grate, torch), yes. Cleaning the flue and inspecting the refractory lining require specific equipment and training. We do not recommend trying to clean the flue without experience.
How often should the inspection be carried out?
Once a year if you use the fireplace regularly. Twice if you light it almost every day or burn a lot of holm oak or oak, which produces more creosote.
Does the inspection include service documentation?
Yes. With every visit we provide detailed documentation of the work carried out, which you can keep for your insurer or for the next technician who inspects the fireplace.
Do you work at weekends?
Yes. We work 7 days a week from 08:00 to 20:00. If weekdays do not suit you, we can also come on Saturday or Sunday.
Looking for a chimney sweep near you?
We work throughout Catalonia and Andorra. Select your province: Barcelona · Girona · Tarragona · Lleida · Andorra
Would you like us to inspect it?
We come to your home, inspect and sweep the chimney, and leave you with service documentation. Fixed price before we start, with no surprises.
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